Tokyo has built more skyscrapers than New York, and it claims more top-rated restaurants than Paris

Fingleton quotes Japan watcher William Holstein: "The Japanese are dressed better than Americans. They have the latest cars, including Porsches, Audis, Mercedes-Benzes and all the finest models. I have never seen so many spoiled pets. And the physical infrastructure of the country keeps improving and evolving.”

Fingleton say Japan has let the lost decade myth flourish for various reasons, including to get out of the spotlight in international trade disputes.